Aging Cats' Nutritional Needs Change After Age 11
America's most popular pet, the cat, lives more than half of its life in the senior years. Although advances in veterinary care, better nutrition, and better-educated owners have helped improve the quantity and quality of these years, studies reveal that senior cats continue to struggle with weight as the result of reduced activity levels and a steady decline in senses, nutrient absorption, and fat digestion. "One of the most important goals when feeding senior cats is maintaining an ideal weight and keeping that weight stable," said Dr. Arnold Plotnick, who developed a senior wellness program to address the special needs of aging cats at his veterinary clinic, Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York City. Owners of senior cats can help their aging felines maintain an ideal body weight throughout the senior life stage by feeding a diet that addresses their unique nutritional needs. Purina Pro Plan, for instance, has reformulated its entire line of senior cat foods to addr...
